Managing the Financial Side of Commercial Fleets

Traffic Fatalities Fall 4 Percent Through June

Road deaths caused by vehicle crashes fell 4 percent during the first half of 2014, according to the National Safety Council.

From January to June, there were 16,180 traffic deaths on U.S. roads compared to 16,860 through the same period in 2013.

"Studies show that 90 percent of crashes involve driver error, including speeding, alcohol use and distractions," said Deborah Hersman, president and CEO for the council. "Although it's encouraging to see a decrease in fatalities, the unfortunate fact remains that many of these crashes could have been prevented."

Motor vehicle crashes present a significant national cost in lost wages and productivity, medical expenses, administrative expenses, employer costs and property damage. The preliminary cost of motor vehicle deaths, injuries and property damage through June fell 3 percent to $123 billion, the council reported.